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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 28:2 A land in rebellion has many rulers, but a man of understanding and knowledge maintains order.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/28-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/20_Pro_28_02.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 28:2 - The Boldness of the Righteous" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="A land in rebellion has many rulers, but a man of understanding and knowledge maintains order." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/proverbs/28-2.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/proverbs/28-2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/proverbs/">Proverbs</a> > <a href="/proverbs/28.htm">Chapter 28</a> > Verse 2</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad2.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/proverbs/28-1.htm" title="Proverbs 28:1">◄</a> Proverbs 28:2 <a href="/proverbs/28-3.htm" title="Proverbs 28:3">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/28.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/28.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />When a country is rebellious, it has many rulers, but a ruler with discernment and knowledge maintains order.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/28.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />When there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily. But wise and knowledgeable leaders bring stability.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/28.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />When a land transgresses, it has many rulers, but with a man of understanding and knowledge, its stability will long continue.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/28.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />A land in rebellion has many rulers, but a man of understanding and knowledge maintains order.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/28.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />For the transgression of a land many <i>are</i> the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding <i>and</i> knowledge the state <i>thereof</i> shall be prolonged.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/28.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Because of the transgression of a land, many <i>are</i> its princes; But by a man of understanding <i>and</i> knowledge Right will be prolonged.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/28.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Due to a wrongdoing of a land its leaders are many, But by a person of understanding <i>and</i> knowledge, so it endures.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/28.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />By the transgression of a land many are its princes, But by a man of understanding and knowledge, so it endures.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/28.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />By the transgression of a land many are its princes, But by a man of understanding <i>and</i> knowledge, so it endures.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/28.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />By the transgression of a land many are its princes, But by a man who understands, who knows, so it endures.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/28.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />When a land does wrong, it has many princes, But when the ruler is a man of understanding and knowledge, its stability endures.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/28.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When a land is in rebellion, it has many rulers, but with a discerning and knowledgeable person, it endures.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/28.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When a land is in rebellion, it has many rulers, but with a discerning and knowledgeable person, it endures. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/28.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof; But by men of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/28.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />In time of civil war there are many leaders, but a sensible leader restores law and order. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/28.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof: but by men of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/28.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />When a country is in revolt, it has many rulers, but only with a person who has understanding and knowledge will it last a long time.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/28.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />When a nation sins, it will have one ruler after another. But a nation will be strong and endure when it has intelligent, sensible leaders. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/28.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />When a land transgresses, it gains a succession of leaders, but with an understanding and knowledgeable man, its stability endures.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/28.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />A land in rebellion has many rulers, but a man of understanding and knowledge maintains order.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/28.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />When a country is rebellious it has many princes, but by someone who is discerning and knowledgeable order is maintained. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/28.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />In rebellion, a land has many rulers, but order is maintained by a man of understanding and knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/28.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />For the transgression of a land many are its princes: but by a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/28.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />In rebellion, a land has many rulers, but order is maintained by a man of understanding and knowledge. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/28.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />By the transgression of a land its heads are many, "" And by an understanding man, "" Who knows right—it is prolonged.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/28.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> By the transgression of a land many are its heads. And by an intelligent man, Who knoweth right -- it is prolonged.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/28.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />In the transgression of a land many its chiefs: and by a man understanding to know, the place shall be extended.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/28.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />For the sine of the land many are the princes thereof: and for the wisdom of a man, and the knowledge of those things that are said, the life of the prince shall be prolonged. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/28.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Because of the sins of the land, it has many princes. And because of the wisdom of a man, and the knowledge of those things that are said, the life of the leader shall be prolonged.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/28.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />If a land is rebellious, its princes will be many; but with an intelligent and wise ruler there is stability. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/28.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />When a land rebels it has many rulers; but with an intelligent ruler there is lasting order.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/28.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Because of the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof; but by righteous men who know justice the stability thereof shall be prolonged.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/28.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Among the evil of the Earth are its many Rulers, and the righteous children of men who know righteousness endure.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/28.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof; But by a man of understanding and knowledge established order shall long continue.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/28.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />By reason of the sins of ungodly men quarrels arise; but a wise man will quell them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/28-2.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=5695" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/28.htm">The Boldness of the Righteous</a></span><br><span class="reftext">1</span>The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion. <span class="reftext">2</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/776.htm" title="776: ’e·reṣ (N-fs) -- Earth, land. From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth.">A land</a> <a href="/hebrew/6588.htm" title="6588: bə·p̄e·ša‘ (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- Transgression. From pasha'; a revolt.">in rebellion</a> <a href="/hebrew/7227.htm" title="7227: rab·bîm (Adj-mp) -- Much, many, great. By contracted from rabab; abundant.">has many</a> <a href="/hebrew/8269.htm" title="8269: śā·re·hā (N-mpc:: 3fs) -- Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince. From sarar; a head person.">rulers,</a> <a href="/hebrew/120.htm" title="120: ū·ḇə·’ā·ḏām (Conj-w, Prep-b:: N-ms) -- Man, mankind. From 'adam; ruddy i.e. A human being.">but a man</a> <a href="/hebrew/995.htm" title="995: mê·ḇîn (V-Hifil-Prtcpl-ms) -- To discern. A primitive root; to separate mentally, i.e.(generally) understand.">of understanding</a> <a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: yō·ḏê·a‘ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially.">and knowledge</a> <a href="/hebrew/3651.htm" title="3651: kên (Adv) -- So, thus. From kuwn; properly, set upright; hence just; but usually rightly or so."></a> <a href="/hebrew/748.htm" title="748: ya·’ă·rîḵ (V-Hifil-Imperf-3ms) -- To be long. A primitive root; to be long.">maintains order.</a> </span><span class="reftext">3</span>A destitute leader who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no food.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/1-23.htm">Isaiah 1:23</a></span><br />Your rulers are rebels, friends of thieves. They all love bribes and chasing after rewards. They do not defend the fatherless, and the plea of the widow never comes before them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/4-1.htm">Hosea 4:1-2</a></span><br />Hear the word of the LORD, O children of Israel, for the LORD has a case against the people of the land: “There is no truth, no loving devotion, and no knowledge of God in the land! / Cursing and lying, murder and stealing, and adultery are rampant; one act of bloodshed follows another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/3-9.htm">Micah 3:9-11</a></span><br />Now hear this, O leaders of the house of Jacob and rulers of the house of Israel, who despise justice and pervert all that is right, / who build Zion with bloodshed and Jerusalem with iniquity. / Her leaders judge for a bribe, her priests teach for a price, and her prophets practice divination for money. Yet they lean upon the LORD, saying, “Is not the LORD among us? No disaster can come upon us.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/5-1.htm">Jeremiah 5:1-5</a></span><br />“Go up and down the streets of Jerusalem. Look now and take note; search her squares. If you can find a single person, anyone who acts justly, anyone who seeks the truth, then I will forgive the city. / Although they say, ‘As surely as the LORD lives,’ they are swearing falsely.” / O LORD, do not Your eyes look for truth? You struck them, but they felt no pain. You finished them off, but they refused to accept discipline. They have made their faces harder than stone and refused to repent. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/22-27.htm">Ezekiel 22:27-29</a></span><br />Her officials within her are like wolves tearing their prey, shedding blood, and destroying lives for dishonest gain. / Her prophets whitewash these deeds by false visions and lying divinations, saying, ‘This is what the Lord GOD says,’ when the LORD has not spoken. / The people of the land have practiced extortion and committed robbery. They have oppressed the poor and needy and have exploited the foreign resident without justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/8-3.htm">1 Samuel 8:3</a></span><br />But his sons did not walk in his ways; they turned aside toward dishonest gain, accepting bribes and perverting justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/17-7.htm">2 Kings 17:7-23</a></span><br />All this happened because the people of Israel had sinned against the LORD their God, who had brought them out of the land of Egypt from under the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. They had worshiped other gods / and walked in the customs of the nations that the LORD had driven out before the Israelites, as well as in the practices introduced by the kings of Israel. / The Israelites secretly did things against the LORD their God that were not right. From watchtower to fortified city, they built high places in all their cities. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/9-26.htm">Nehemiah 9:26-27</a></span><br />But they were disobedient and rebelled against You; they flung Your law behind their backs. They killed Your prophets, who had admonished them to return to You. They committed terrible blasphemies. / So You delivered them into the hands of enemies who oppressed them, and in their time of distress they cried out to You. From heaven You heard them, and in Your great compassion You gave them deliverers who saved them from the hands of their enemies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/12-8.htm">Psalm 12:8</a></span><br />The wicked wander freely, and vileness is exalted among men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/82-2.htm">Psalm 82:2-4</a></span><br />“How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked? Selah / Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; uphold the rights of the afflicted and oppressed. / Rescue the weak and needy; save them from the hand of the wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-16.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:16-17</a></span><br />Woe to you, O land whose king is a youth, and whose princes feast in the morning. / Blessed are you, O land whose king is a son of nobles, and whose princes feast at the proper time—for strength and not for drunkenness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/23-23.htm">Matthew 23:23-28</a></span><br />Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You pay tithes of mint, dill, and cumin. But you have disregarded the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. / You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel. / Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/11-39.htm">Luke 11:39-42</a></span><br />Then the Lord said, “Now you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. / You fools! Did not the One who made the outside make the inside as well? / But give as alms the things that are within you, and behold, everything will be clean for you. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/1-28.htm">Romans 1:28-32</a></span><br />Furthermore, since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, He gave them up to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. / They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed, and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, and malice. They are gossips, / slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant, and boastful. They invent new forms of evil; they disobey their parents. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/6-9.htm">1 Corinthians 6:9-10</a></span><br />Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who submit to or perform homosexual acts, / nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged.</p><p class="hdg">the transgression</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/15-25.htm">1 Kings 15:25,28</a></b></br> And Nadab the son of Jeroboam began to reign over Israel in the second year of Asa king of Judah, and reigned over Israel two years… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/16-8.htm">1 Kings 16:8-29</a></b></br> In the twenty and sixth year of Asa king of Judah began Elah the son of Baasha to reign over Israel in Tirzah, two years… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_kings/15-8.htm">2 Kings 15:8-31</a></b></br> In the thirty and eighth year of Azariah king of Judah did Zachariah the son of Jeroboam reign over Israel in Samaria six months… </p><p class="hdg">but</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/45-5.htm">Genesis 45:5-8</a></b></br> Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_chronicles/32-20.htm">2 Chronicles 32:20-26</a></b></br> And for this <i>cause</i> Hezekiah the king, and the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz, prayed and cried to heaven… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/22-28.htm">Job 22:28-30</a></b></br> Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways… </p><p class="hdg">by a man, etc.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/23-17.htm">Continue</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-25.htm">Country</a> <a href="/psalms/145-13.htm">Endures</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-5.htm">Established</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-21.htm">Fire</a> <a href="/psalms/140-9.htm">Heads</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-28.htm">Increased</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-25.htm">Intelligent</a> <a href="/psalms/112-8.htm">Maintained</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-25.htm">Maintains</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-27.htm">Order</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-10.htm">Princes</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-12.htm">Prolonged</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-11.htm">Rebellion</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-21.htm">Rebellious</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-16.htm">Right</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-16.htm">Rulers</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-26.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/psalms/5-9.htm">Stability</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-23.htm">State</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-18.htm">Thereof</a> <a href="/2_john/1-9.htm">Transgresses</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-11.htm">Transgression</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-23.htm">Troubles</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-30.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-14.htm">Wisdom</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/isaiah/1-5.htm">Continue</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-4.htm">Country</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-14.htm">Endures</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-14.htm">Established</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-16.htm">Fire</a> <a href="/isaiah/3-4.htm">Heads</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-28.htm">Increased</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-7.htm">Intelligent</a> <a href="/matthew/9-34.htm">Maintained</a> <a href="/nahum/1-2.htm">Maintains</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-18.htm">Order</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-4.htm">Princes</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-12.htm">Prolonged</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-5.htm">Rebellion</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-23.htm">Rebellious</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-5.htm">Right</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-4.htm">Rulers</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-24.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-4.htm">Stability</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-18.htm">State</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-11.htm">Thereof</a> <a href="/2_john/1-9.htm">Transgresses</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-24.htm">Transgression</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/11-10.htm">Troubles</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-11.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-26.htm">Wisdom</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 28</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/28-1.htm">general observations of impiety and integrity</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/28.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/28.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>A land in rebellion has many rulers</b><br>This phrase highlights the chaos and instability that result from rebellion against God’s ordained order. In biblical history, Israel experienced periods of rebellion, such as during the time of the Judges, when "everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (<a href="/judges/21-25.htm">Judges 21:25</a>). This led to frequent changes in leadership and a lack of consistent governance. The phrase suggests that when a nation turns away from righteousness, it becomes fragmented, leading to power struggles and a proliferation of leaders, each vying for control. This can be seen in the divided kingdom period after Solomon's reign, where Israel and Judah had multiple kings, often leading to further idolatry and moral decline.<p><b>but a man of understanding and knowledge maintains order</b><br>This part of the verse contrasts the chaos of rebellion with the stability brought by wise leadership. A man of understanding and knowledge refers to a leader who fears the Lord and seeks His wisdom, as seen in Solomon's request for wisdom to govern the people (<a href="/1_kings/3-9.htm">1 Kings 3:9-12</a>). Such a leader can bring peace and stability, as they align their governance with God’s principles. This echoes the biblical theme that true wisdom and understanding come from God (<a href="/proverbs/9-10.htm">Proverbs 9:10</a>). The phrase also points to the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the embodiment of wisdom and knowledge (<a href="/colossians/2-3.htm">Colossians 2:3</a>), who brings order and peace to those who follow Him.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/l/land_in_rebellion.htm">Land in Rebellion</a></b><br>This phrase refers to a nation or community experiencing chaos, disorder, or moral decline. It suggests a state of instability and lack of cohesive leadership.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/m/many_rulers.htm">Many Rulers</a></b><br>This indicates a situation where there is a proliferation of leaders, often due to a lack of strong, centralized authority. It can imply confusion and competing interests.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/m/man_of_understanding_and_knowledge.htm">Man of Understanding and Knowledge</a></b><br>This person embodies wisdom and discernment, capable of bringing stability and order to a chaotic situation. The Hebrew words for "understanding" (bin) and "knowledge" (da'at) emphasize insight and practical wisdom.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_rebellion.htm">The Consequences of Rebellion</a></b><br>Rebellion against God's principles leads to instability and confusion. A society that turns away from divine wisdom often finds itself with many competing voices and leaders, resulting in chaos.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_wisdom_in_leadership.htm">The Value of Wisdom in Leadership</a></b><br>A leader with understanding and knowledge is crucial for maintaining order. Such a leader seeks God's wisdom and applies it to governance, ensuring stability and peace.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_believer_in_society.htm">The Role of the Believer in Society</a></b><br>Christians are called to be people of understanding and knowledge, influencing their communities positively. By living out biblical principles, believers can contribute to societal stability.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/prayer_for_leaders.htm">Prayer for Leaders</a></b><br>It is essential to pray for those in authority, asking God to grant them wisdom and understanding. This aligns with the biblical mandate to seek the welfare of the city where we live.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/personal_responsibility_in_chaos.htm">Personal Responsibility in Chaos</a></b><br>In times of societal disorder, individuals should strive to be voices of reason and stability, reflecting the character of a man of understanding and knowledge.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_28.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 28</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_some_rulers_act_against_romans_13_3.htm">If Romans 13:3 claims rulers promote good and punish bad, why have some historical governments done the opposite without facing apparent divine judgment?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_punish_all_for_rehoboam's_sin.htm">2 Chronicles 12:2 - Why would God punish an entire nation for Rehoboam's personal disobedience?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_david's_acceptance_of_cursing_contradict.htm">(2 Samuel 16:10-12) Does David's acceptance of Shimei's cursing contradict other texts where blasphemy or cursing of God's anointed is forbidden?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/effects_of_acting_foolishly.htm">What are the consequences of acting foolishly?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/28.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(2) <span class= "bld">For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof.</span>--Comp. <a href="/1_kings/15-27.htm" title="And Baasha the son of Ahijah, of the house of Issachar, conspired against him; and Baasha smote him at Gibbethon, which belonged to the Philistines; for Nadab and all Israel laid siege to Gibbethon.">1Kings 15:27</a>, <span class= "ital">sqq., </span>and indeed the whole history of the kingdom of Israel as compared with the regular succession of the family of David in accordance with the promise of <a href="/psalms/89-33.htm" title="Nevertheless my loving kindness will I not utterly take from him, nor suffer my faithfulness to fail.">Psalm 89:33</a>.<p><span class= "bld">The state thereof shall be prolonged--</span><span class= "ital">i.e.</span>, its settled condition. Or it may signify "right" (<span class= "ital">i.e., </span>authority)" continues."<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/28.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 2.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof.</span> This implies that the wickedness of a nation is punished by frequent changes of rulers, who impose new laws, taxes, and other burdens, which greatly oppress the people; but regarding the antithesis in the second hemistich, we take the meaning to be that when iniquity, injustice, apostasy, and other evils abound, a country becomes the prey of pretenders and partisans striving for the supremacy. The history of the northern kingdom of Israel, especially in the disastrous period succeeding the death of Jeroboam II, affords proof of the truth of the statement (comp. <a href="/hosea/8-4.htm">Hosea 8:4</a>). Septuagint, "Owing to the sins of ungodly men, quarrels (<span class="greek">κρίσεις</span>, lawsuits) arise." <span class="cmt_word">But by a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged</span>. "The state" is the stability, the settled condition of the country. The word is <span class="hebrew">כֵן</span> (<span class="accented">ken</span>), here a substantive, equivalent to "station," "base." Umbreit, Nowack, and others translate it, "justice," "authority," "order." When a wise and religious man is at the helm of state, justice continues, lives, and works; such a man introduces an clement of enduring good into a land (comp. <a href="/proverbs/21-22.htm">Proverbs 21:22</a>; <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-15.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:15</a>). The good kings Ass, Jehoshaphat, Uzziah, and Hezekiah had long and prosperous reigns. Septuagint, "But a clever man (<span class="greek">πανοῦργος</span>) will quench them (quarrels)." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/28-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">A land</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶ֭רֶץ</span> <span class="translit">(’e·reṣ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_776.htm">Strong's 776: </a> </span><span class="str2">Earth, land</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in rebellion</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּפֶ֣שַֽׁע</span> <span class="translit">(bə·p̄e·ša‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6588.htm">Strong's 6588: </a> </span><span class="str2">Transgression</span><br /><br /><span class="word">has many</span><br /><span class="heb">רַבִּ֣ים</span> <span class="translit">(rab·bîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7227.htm">Strong's 7227: </a> </span><span class="str2">Much, many, great</span><br /><br /><span class="word">rulers,</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׂרֶ֑יהָ</span> <span class="translit">(śā·re·hā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8269.htm">Strong's 8269: </a> </span><span class="str2">Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but a man</span><br /><span class="heb">וּבְאָדָ֥ם</span> <span class="translit">(ū·ḇə·’ā·ḏām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_120.htm">Strong's 120: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ruddy, a human being</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of understanding</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵבִ֥ין</span> <span class="translit">(mê·ḇîn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_995.htm">Strong's 995: </a> </span><span class="str2">To separate mentally, understand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[and] knowledge</span><br /><span class="heb">יֹ֝דֵ֗עַ</span> <span class="translit">(yō·ḏê·a‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3045.htm">Strong's 3045: </a> </span><span class="str2">To know</span><br /><br /><span class="word">maintains order.</span><br /><span class="heb">יַאֲרִֽיךְ׃</span> <span class="translit">(ya·’ă·rîḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_748.htm">Strong's 748: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be, long</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/28-2.htm">Proverbs 28:2 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/28-2.htm">Proverbs 28:2 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/28-2.htm">Proverbs 28:2 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/28-2.htm">Proverbs 28:2 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/28-2.htm">Proverbs 28:2 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/28-2.htm">Proverbs 28:2 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/28-2.htm">Proverbs 28:2 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/28-2.htm">Proverbs 28:2 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/28-2.htm">Proverbs 28:2 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/28-2.htm">Proverbs 28:2 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/28-2.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 28:2 In rebellion a land has many rulers (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/28-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 28:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 28:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/28-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 28:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 28:3" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>